To add a weld symbol to an Advance Steel drawing, open the drawing (not the model), go to Labels & Dimensions tab > Labels panel and pick Weld Symbol, Weld Line or Curved Weld Line. Select the part, pick where the symbol goes, and set the weld properties in the dialog. In the 3D model, welds are added with Weld Point or Line of Weld on the Objects tab.
This post covers both sides: the welds in the model, which hold parts together in assemblies, and the weld symbols on the drawings.
How do I add a weld in the Advance Steel model?
There are two tools, both on the Objects tab > Connection Objects panel: Weld Point and Line of Weld. A weld joins parts into one welded connection, which is what makes them come out as one assembly on your drawings.
Weld Point
- Start Weld Point.
- Select the parts to connect.
- Pick where the weld point goes.
Put the weld point on the faces that touch. That way the weld shows up on the assembly drawings.
Line of Weld
Line of Weld works the same way, but you draw a line for the weld instead of a point.
- Start Line of Weld.
- Select the parts to weld together.
- Pick the start and end points of each weld line.
- Press Enter to finish.
For a ready-made welded connection, see mini tutorial 05: welded connection.
How do I add or remove parts from a welded connection?
Add a part: Objects tab > Connection Objects panel > Add Objects to Connection. Select the weld and press Enter, then select the beam or plate to add and press Enter. The part joins the weld group.
Remove a part: Objects tab > Connection Objects panel > Delete Objects from Connection. Select the weld and press Enter, then select the beam or plate to remove and press Enter.
How do I add a weld symbol to a drawing?
Weld symbols go on the drawings, so open the drawing first. The tools are on the Labels & Dimensions tab > Labels panel. There are three:
- Weld Symbol
- Weld Line
- Curved Weld Line
Weld Symbol
- Click Weld Symbol.
- At Please select detail, select the part that gets the weld note.
- At Please select the reference point of the symbol on the detail, pick where the symbol goes.
Weld Line
- Click Weld Line.
- Select the view.
- Pick the start point and the end point of the weld, then press Enter.
- Set the weld properties in the dialog and close it.
Curved Weld Line
- Click Curved Weld Line.
- Select the view.
- Pick the center of the arc, then the start point, then the end point.
- Set the weld properties in the dialog and close it.
What should I check on weld symbols?
- Size and type come from the engineer. Weld sizes, types and lengths are part of the connection design. Copy them from the design drawings, don’t guess. Verify with the engineer of record.
- Shop vs field. Field welds need the field weld flag so the shop doesn’t do them.
- Arrow side vs other side. Check the symbol reads the way you mean it, per AWS A2.4.
What if the weld doesn’t show on the drawing?
- The weld point isn’t on a connecting face. Move it onto the faces that touch.
- The part isn’t in the welded connection. Use Add Objects to Connection.
- You’re in the model, not the drawing. The weld symbol tools only work in a drawing.
If you’re looking at hardware or software upgrades, my toolbox page lists the tools I use and any discounts I know of.
